Boise River Greenbelt : comprehensive plan and design

BOISE RIVER GREENBELT
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN & DESIGN
PLANNING
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City Hall
605 Bannock Street
Boise, Idaho
Gentlemen:
RESEARCH/ WEST
In accordance with our agreement of July 8, 1968, Planning Research/West is pleased to submit a
comprehensive plan and design for the Boise River Greenbelt. It has been both a pleasure and a
challenge to have had the responsibility of preparing this report.
The consultants have worked with the City, its officials, agencies, and commissions as well as with
the general public during the formulation of the design. We are aware that credit is due many
groups and individuals, and we are grateful for the fine cooperation extended to us.
This submission is made with confidence that the Greenbelt will be a lasting resource which will ba
a credit to the City and the State of Idaho.
Very truly yours,
PLANNING RESEARCH/WEST
10 SOUTH LATAH
BOISE, IDAHO 83705 (208) 342-0941 Bets- STATE COLLEGE LIBRARY
JUN 6 '69
CREDITS
Preparation of this report has been accomplished by the cooperative
efforts of many people. Particular credit should be given to those
groups and individuals listed below.
BOISE CITY COUNCIL
Jay S. Amyx, Mayor
Sherm Perry, President
William Onweiler, President Pro Tern
Ralph F. Fraser
Anna Hettinger
H.T. "Buck" Jones
Elmo W. Orr
BOISE CITY PARK BOARD
Charles Campbell, President
Tom Brandon, Vice-President
James Bruce
Stanley Burns
Dr. A. H. Chatburn
A I ice 0 ieter
Bradford P. Shaw
2
BOISE CITY
PLANNING-ZONING COMMISSION
Glen E. Cline, Chairman
Robert H. Vincent, Vice-Chairman
Lyle R. Cobbs
Raymond D. Givens
Robert M. Harrison
William L. Johnson
Fred L. Kopke, Jr.
Earl C. Reynolds, Jr.
C. Ralph Rudolph
BOISE CITY STAFF
Gordon S. Bowen, Park Superintendent
Russell Carter, Planning Director
William E. Everts, Recreation Director
Robeft H. Griffiths, Public Works Director
Herbert Mayer, Traffic Engineer
858:Hi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
General
Methodology
Scope and Objectives
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Land Use ..... .
Planning and Zoning .
Traffic and Circulation
Feasibility .....
CHAPTER I-PAST AND PRESENT
Historical Setting
Existing Situation
Case Studies
Trends .....
CHAPTER II-CONCEPT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN CRITERIA
Visual Impact . . . .
Landscaped Extensions
Land Use ..... .
Planning and Zoning .
Traffic and Circulation
Hydrology
Ecology
Topography
CHAPTER Ill-FEASIBILITY
6
6
6
10
11
12
14
18
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
28
28
28
28
Programming, Costs and Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ILLUSTRATIONS
Map No. 1-Pianning Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map No. 2-Greenbelt Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plate No. 1-Present and Projected Population of the Boise Metropqlitan Area
Plate No. 2-U.S.A. Leisure Time . . . . . . . . .
Plate No. 3-0utdoor Recreation Activities Preference
Map No. 3-Landscaped Extensions
Map No. 4-Traffic and Circulation . . . . . . . .
8a
16a
20
21
21
. 30a
. 30b
It is noted that aside from those illustrations listed above, a design of the Boise River Greenbelt at a scale of one inch
equals 50 feet has been prepared and submitted as part of this report. Property lines must be considered as
approximate. Detailed design prior to construction will, of necessity, be required for specific areas.
3
INTRODUCTION
General
Methodology
Scope and Objectives
GENERAL
It is appropriate that in 1968, Boise City has chosen to
aggressively attack the implementation program of the
Boise River Greenbelt. Historically the Boise River
Greenbelt, as it is now named, has been discussed by
nearly all of the citizens of the City. Its effect on the
community and most importantly, the overriding
prospects of intensifying the use and beauty of the total
community by its development, places the implementa­tion
program in an area of popular support. The Boise
City administration and the community at large have
seen too many examples of the loss of valuable assets in
other areas of the nation to permit the Boise River
Greenbelt program to remain in an area of anticipation.
Through the founding years of our country, over 50
major cities were located on rivers where there was a
need to have ready access to and cheap transportation
for industry. At a time in history of rapid growth and
expansion, too I ittle thought was given to 1968 and
beyond when the population of the greatest and
METHODOLOGY
The approach used in the development of these materials
was to prepare the design and the report concurrently,
with major areas of concern receiving critical analysis
and illustration based on criteria which was developed
during progress of the work. The items which are
included in the contents of the report text were believed
to be of material importance in considering a course of
action for future acquisition and development. It
became increasingly apparent during project formulation
that the magnitude of the effort would necessitate
future detailed design of distinct areas on the Greenbelt.
The generalizations which may be made in this report
are kept to a minimum insofar as possible to insure that
recipients of the work will fully understand the program,
its concepts and alternative possibilities where alterna­tives
are meaningful.
Maximum use was made of previous studies. This
included significant work done on behalf of the
community before and after the Greenbelt was
conceived. Early in project development it was
determined that the City's official family should be kept
abreast of tentative and final proposals. This method of
remaining in liaison resulted in several meetings with the
City Staff, Park Board, Planning-Zoning Commission and
the Mayor and City Council to provide advice and
support in areas of concern.
6
wealthiest nation in the world would be exceeding 300
million by the year 2000. The present picture is quite
different than during the industrial revolution when the
population was approximately 75 million. The problems
of growth and inherent urban complexities are of
enough importance that America is now undergoing a
change. An agonizing reappraisal of the highest and best
use of prime natural resources has seen the pendulum
swing to preservation and reconstitution of the original
resource. It is in this context that an aggressive Boise
River Greenbelt program is being undertaken.
Frederick Law Olmstead, the father of landscape
architecture, wrote the following in 1877: "Our country
has entered upon a state of progress in which its welfare
is to depend on the conveniences, safety, order, and
economy of life in its great cities. It cannot prosper
independently of them; cannot gain virtue, wisdom,
comfort, except as they advance."
SCOPE AND
OB.JECTIVES
By the present effort, Boise City is becoming an even
greater city. In 1968, the Mayor and City Council
budgeted for acquisition of the first prime properties in
the Greenbelt which will help to anchor the program.
They employed the services of the consultant on July 8,
1968 to prepare a comprehensive plan and design for the
Greenbelt and to set down firm guidelines and policies
for development.
The general area of coverage encompassed in the design
includes a strip of land approximately 3,000 feet in
width in the Boise River area extending from the narrow
point by Gate City Steel industrial development east of
Boise City downstream to the Boise City Sewage
Treatment Plant as illustrated on map No. 1.
The objective of this work was to bring together into
related documents a usable format for the City
administration, its boards, commissions and staff, as well
as the citizens of the community. These documents are
one, a Boise River Greenbelt design; and two, a greenbelt
comprehensive plan.
I '
PLANNING AREA MAP NO. t
PLANNING AREA
MAP N0.1
SCALE:
0 1600 3200 4800
BOISE RIVER
STUDY AREA
PLANNING AREA
MAP N0.1
SCALE:
0 1600 3200 4800
BOISE RIVER
STUDY AREA
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Land Use
Planning and Zoning
Traffic and Circulation
Feasibility
Greenbelt Plan
LAND USE
It is recommended that to improve and solidify the land
use patterns which are desirable as related to the Boise
River Greenbelt, the following should be done:
1.
2.
3.
Some land use patterns adjacent to the
Greenbelt should be permitted to change
from their present structure.
The land use patterns should be protected
by adequate ordinance amendments and
adoption to prohibit pollution, to require
land recontouring as desirable where excava·
tion is underway, to solidify zoning which is
presently in a liquid or loose state, and to
assure the private sector that a solidified
growth pattern has been adopted by the
City.
The framework of individual neighborhoods
lying adjacent to the Greenbelt should be
better understood and the procedures for
4.
10
implementation of the neighborhood land
use objectives and goals set down in writing.
Development of proper criteria will be
emphasized by the Greenbelt itself. The
Design Review requirements, which are part
of the City's zoning ordinance, are recom·
mended to be applied to substantial areas
adjacent to the Greenbelt. Proper neighbor·
hood design with applied Design Review
consideration would give substance and
meaning to the City's efforts since guidelines
would be available.
Many of the existing streets adjacent to the
Greenbelt should be redesigned and new
streets built to insure completion of the
Greenbelt and continued growth of related
land use patterns. This not only applies to
those new streets discussed in this report,
but also existing local streets that are
unsatisfactory as related to the Greenbelt.
J
J
J
J
J
PLANNING AND ZONING
Since the Greenbelt manifests itself as an open space
area which is generally horizontally aligned along Boise
River through a significant part of the City, it becomes
readily apparent that the planning and zoning along the
river must receive careful consideration. It is also
apparent that this consideration should bring about
several changes in present zoning classifications. The
Greenbelt touches upon neighborhoods with residential
emphasis, with retail commercial activities, industrial
areas, educational institutions, and upon existing parks.
Today, most of the private sector activities do not use
the amenities of the river. Based upon the tremendous
variety of activities which must be promoted and
sympathised with in any Greenbelt development, the
following is recommended:
1. The "A" Open Land classification which
exists in the Boise City Zoning Ordinance is
the classification which should be placed
upon the Greenbelt lands and upon adjoin·
ing public buildings. The zoning ordinance
of the City should be amended, however, to
have open space public lands and buildings
as a separate entity of the ordinance. Today
there is some confusion in the ordinance
which exists due to the "A" Open Land
classification also serving as an agricultural
zone. Although these areas can generally be
classified as open land, there is adequate
benefit in separating these two major areas
of land use. The zoning which is adopted for
the Greenbelt and other public open space
areas and buildings should be better defined
in the continuing role of these uses in the
community.
2. The Design Review requirements of the
Boise City Zoning Ordinance whould relate
to the "A" Open Space areas with specific
wording. By this method, the objectives and
goals of the community which affect the
private ownership adjacent to these areas
would be obtainable. The Neighborhood
Analysis effort which has been discussed by
the City and which should be accomplished
in the near future must set down the criteria
which will encourage the lands adjacent to
the Greenbelt to be designed in sympathy
with the tremendous amenities of the
11
Greenbelt. Even though efforts of the City
to establish the Greenbelt are being made,
there must also be a coordinated concept
which will require design sympathy with the
Greenbelt although it is understood that
community pride and increase of land values
will encourage better development relation·
ships.
3. From the planning standpoint, it is also
highly desirable that every effort be
explored to permit the private sector to
introduce water from Boise River into
developments for aesthetic and practkal use.
Fountains, waterfalls, waterways and other
treatment are possibilities which would not
deplete the river.
4. The design proposed for the riverbed
included suggestions which will encourage
more constant flow of water in given areas,
thus discouraging areas of stagnation and
pollution. It is desirable that every effort be
made by the City to prohibit the use of
Boise River for waste disposal. This includes
correction of negative influences such as
open drains, dumping, land fills, recircula·
tion of impure water and like distasteful
river intrusions. The scope of this work did
not permit a water pollution study which
would specifically point out these intrusions.
5. The adoption of the Greenbelt design and
program should excite the imagination of
the community to the extent that the
impact of the Greenbelt will be apparent. In
this regard it is again emphasized that the
community should set forth very specific
goals and objectives on behalf of the
Greenbelt itself. This discussion was touched
upon in the land use recommendations
wherein it was stated that considerable
change and upgrading of adjacent properties
can be expected and should take place
because of the focus which will occur. The
City should give high priority to develop·
ment of these objectives and goals.
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
Based upon present plans and proposals largely being
developed by Boise City and upon conditions which
became apparent in Greenbelt design preparation, the
following recommendations are made on traffic and
circulation as related to the Greenbelt:
1. No freeway or expressway should be
constructed as an adjacent activity of the
Greenbelt, but wherever possible, streets
parallel to the Greenbelt should be given
careful treatment with Boulevard standards
to add a pleasing environment for motorists
and users of the Greenbelt. Streets of
freeway or expressway magnitude are
proposed in other locations of the City, and
streets servicing affected properties near the
Greenbelt and the Greenbelt itself should be
of arterial street and local street standards.
2.
3.
4.
Thirtieth Street should be extended from
the Main and Fairview Couplet to the
proposed Curtis Road extension, capping the
presently existing streets which extend from
Twenty-Seventh Street and State Street
generally in a southerly direction. This street
will initially serve to move significant
amounts of truck traffic and is placed in this
particular location to eliminate this truck
traffic passing through the residential
neighborhood on both sides of Twenty·
Seventh Street. The placement of this street
helps to form a proper design for the
Greenbelt and Greenbelt Lake where sign if·
icant recreational potentials exist.
The area extending easterly from the Main
Street and Fairview Avenue Couplet should
have Thirtieth Street extended through to
Americana Boulevard. This requires crossing
the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and
permits connection of this street to Shore­line
Drive near the K-Mart Store on
Americana Boulevard.
Twenty-Seventh Street and Twenty-Third
Street will undoubtedly continue to func­tion
as major arterial streets. Owing to this,
River Street should be emphasized easterly
from the Main Street and Fairview Avenue
Couplet and should extend across Capitol
Boulevard curving to Myrtle Street in an
uninterrupted pattern. Since Thirtieth Street
is proposed to extend to Americana
5.
6.
7.
12
Boulevard and on to the Post Office
location, provisions sould also be made for
the possible extension of this street adjacent
to the Greenbelt and on to River Street near
Eleventh Street. This continuance permits
proper access to the proposed Capitol
Boulevard-Ninth Street Couplet. This sug·
gested street pattern is valid unless the River
Street area undergoes substantial revitaliza­tion
according to an overall plan.
A Capitol Boulevard and Ninth Street
couplet is proposed closely related to recent
studies completed for the State Highway
Department. Suggested alterations to these
study proposals shift the southbound traffic
from Eighth Street to Ninth Street because
of the redevelopment proposals to the north.
No new bridge is proposed over the Boise
River in the area of Eleventh Street due to
the functional pattern for traffic which
would be developed by a new Ninth Street
bridge and the mentioned Couplet. Right
turn movements for southbound traffic
could be limited to the River Street-Ninth
Street connections, thus giving additional
access for traffic to arrive at Boise State
College via College Boulevard.
No street or river crossings are proposed
extending Campus Drive to the west. The
continued limitation suggested for this street
precludes its becoming a thoroughfare for
unwanted commuter traffic in front of Boise
State College and adjacent to the Greenbelt.
River Street is proposed to extend to Myrtle
Street east of Capitol Boulevard. Although
there may be some disruption of the land
use patterns by this extension, the redesign­ed
access to Julia Davis Park. In addition,
other core area redevelopment proposals
indicate a need to have improved access to
Fifth Street extending North to the Federal
Building as well as south on Sixth Street
from the same area. The proposals mention­ed
accomplish this possibility including free
flowing exit from Capitol Boulevard as
entrance to the core area is made from the
south. This is highly desirable due to the
restricted areas on Capitol Boulevard being
proposed in redevelopment plans.
8.
9.
Since River Street is proposed to connect to
Myrtle Street in the Capitol Boulevard area,
it is also logical that this extension continue
easterly in a proper way. The crossing of
Broadway Avenue at the best possible angle
of intersection is recommended with the
extension continuing east adjacent to the
Greenbelt. The City is developing proposals
in harmony with the recently announced
Morrison-Knudsen development for proper
alignment of streets as related to Myrtle
Street, Park Boulevard and Broadway
Avenue.
As this extension continues east, an
improved alignment of the Boise River is
proposed. Stabili zation of the river near
Municipal Park is desirable due to high water
encroachment. By this realignment, the
street can continue in its easterly direction
along the Citi zens Right-of Way on the
southerly side of the railroad track. Access
to the proposed Municipal Golf Course is
necessary, and this proposal creates such
access. Freeways which may be constructed
in this locale will not give adequate access to
the Greenbelt since careful control is always
exerted as to local access to and from
freeways.
10. The Greenbelt circulation pattern and that
of the City in general would be considerably
enhanced by better access to South Boise.
The Boise City Comprehensive General Plan
proposes arterial streets extending to the
east from Broadway Avenue. This continues
to be highly desirable. Needed arterial streets
will function more suitably with the
Greenbelt and adjacent developing areas if
an additional bridge extending across the
Boise River is constructed at the easterly end
of the Greenbelt project. This bridge will
create South Boise access, permit better use
of the Greenbelt, create access to the Golf
Course on both sides of the river, and
generally improve the overall traffic pattern
for the community.
FEASIBILITY
It is believed that the discussion on feasibility wherein
recommendations are made to employ the services of a
Greenbelt Coordinator or Acquisition Specialist will
result in a program which can be adopted in its proper
phase with City budgeting and be carried to completion.
This recommendation is sympathetic to the possibility
of amendments and adjustments via a Capital Improve­ments
Program and Budget since continuing review of
original proposals must take place.
It is also recommended that since the design that land
acquisition must take place, the City undertake to spell
out a workable method to acquire land on the basis of
long term lease instead of fee acquisition. This will
require considerable contact with property owners. An
example of "short of fee acquisition" may be a use
agreement between the State of Idaho and Boise City on
part of the prison farm land proposed for a municipal
golf course or use of some of the Boise Water
Coporation land. It is believed that if given the
opportunity, many property owners will cooperate to
formulate a "Use" arrangement.
• Ptetucktng
Fithtng
Htktng • Pen dung
Children's play wu
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Ha<-...
T.nn•s
Soft t-Il
Ath~telleldl
Linle LM9Je foot~ll
Cr~ountrv ruM•ng
Formal 9fl'dens
Bird ftedtng
•
Equftta.-ian Attn~
Hont rentat
Equ•tr~ tehool
.. 7 ... . ...._,.1101: ..
BOISE RIVER GREENBELT PLAN
I 'FOOT & BICYCLE PATH
- - - BRIDLE TRAIL
CITY OWNED PARKS
e I ACTIVITY CENTERS
SCALE: • soo tooo .... Ulf
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HISTORICAL SETTING
The historical setting of the Boise River Greenbelt is
perhaps best stated as the Boise River itself. This river
has long been a ribbon of blue surrounded by greenery,
giving the freshness of water to the entire valley. In the
early days when Boise City was established the river was
considered to be located in the farming periphery and its
historical meanderings are verified by study of maps
which indicate tremendous changes through years of
flow. In more recent years, some of the ammenities of
the river have been capitalized upon as indicated by
statistics which show that approximately 35 percent of
the river frontage within the planning area of this study
is under public ownership. The large park areas which
are located adjacent to the river makes Boise almost
unique for a city of its size. It is certain that timeliness
in acquisition of the other percentage not presently
owned by the public is very important.
Land use patterns along the river have changed at times
and in some regards there have been use reverses from
original community developments such as the baseball
field near Municipal Park and the long standing
EXISTING SITUATION
The existing situation along the Greenbelt has been
discussed to some extent in other areas of this report
with regard to zoning and land use patterns. It should be
pointed out that the potentials for park and recreation
activities and adjacent property improvements are in
existence because of the river and the park system which
is now in effect. Work which has taken place in Julia
Davis Park and the existence of Ann Morrison Park has
made the river more accessible and open to the public.
The long standing "tubing" activities of Boise River are
of national note and continue to be a unique activity.
Perhaps today's visual impact of Boise River where
residential areas in the vicinity of River Street. These
changes, however, must be understood and accepted as
logical occurances in the development and enlargement
of the City. It is very difficult to recapture some of these
rather delightful river land use activities but new ones
can be developed which will be of continuing use and
beauty on the landscape. Examples of these are the
development of additional parks, a proposed municipal
golf course construction adjacent to the river, the
probable change of private land use developments which
have been discussed in other parts of this report, as well
as the general encouragement of sympathy in design
which can now be pursued with greater emphasis due to
the focus of the Greenbelt.
Historically, changes which have taken place over a long
period have not solved vehicular movement problems
adjacent to the river. As stated earlier, automobile traffic
conflict and frustrations are now apparent in areas along
the Greenbelt but can largely be overcome by active
action in street construction and improvement.
existing vistas are available to the public is the most
significant advantage of the present open space quality
along the river.
Fishing and wildlife activities are of significant value and
proposals to enhance the access and flow of the river will
emphasize these experiences further. From the data
gathered by the Boise City Park Department in 1 g65,
titled "Park Traffic and Use Survey," it is of note that
the parks take on a regional perspective as well as local
context. The following table indicates the attendance
figures:
PARK SUMMARY OF TOTAL ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE-1965
Peak Season Full Year
Ann Morrison
Julia Davis
Municipal
1,06g,145 1,724,345
627,990 1,006,120
87,270 92,745
TOTALS 1,784,305 2,823,210
Increase of activities and varied user activity points out
the tremendous importance of the parks within Boise
City.
Although the avid sportsman may conclude that one
18
need only travel to nearby streams and mountains to
take advantage of adequate park like activities, facts
belie this position and indicate that day-to-day use of
local facilities is on the uptrend.
~.
CASE STUDIES
It will not be the purpose of this report to review other
programs throughout the nation which are being pursued
and which closely parallel the Greenbelt program in
Boise City. It is significant to note, however, that
waterfront developments and increased open space land
is considered to be a prime priority in national and state
programs. This is exemplified by the fact that money is
made available to local jurisdictions on a participation
basis, giving them an opportunity to receive help from
sources other than local budgets to facilitate park and
open space acquisition and development.
River front use is being carefully considered in Idaho
Falls, Idaho where the Snake River passes through the
City. The San Antonio, Texas greenery design unifies the
!....,__. __ ----··---- --.--- - ---··--·-
~-- ...... - - ..
. ---· - - . ··--
19
city with nature. Another recent greenbelt design was
accomplished for New York's Staten Island area
extending over a distance of approximately five miles,
with much of the land already publically owned. In the
Staten Island program, a linkage is to be accomplished
much I ike the Boise River Greenbelt program.
Riverfront design and development efforts are underway
in such populus and significant cities as Philadelphia,
Washington, D.C., New York City, Cincinnati, Detroit
and Sacramento. These are only a few of the
communities in our nation now undergoing rediscovery
of waterfront potentials. The represent areas where vast
amounts of money must now be expended to undertake
this revitalization.
-.........
TRENDS
The following plates indicate trends which are taking
place as related to recreation and leisure time activities.
As reported earlier in this text, the activities in the
existing park system of Boise City are on the uptrend,
and the population projections in the Boise Metropolitan
Area indicate that this trend warrants continuing
support and emphasis on the park program being
fostered by the City.
-"' 0
8 ~
z
Q
~ ...J
:J
0..
~
160~----~~-----+------~------+-------~-----+-------l
100
80
60
40
20~-----+------~------1-------+-----~-------+------~
0~----~-----4------~-----+------t------r-----i
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985
PLATE NO.1-PRESENT AND PROJECTED POPULATION OF THE BOISE
METROPOLITAN AREA: Source: Boise City, Ada County and
Idaho State Highway Department
20
The leisure time for the American citizen is increasing. Plate no. 2 shows this in graphic form.
PLATE NO.2-U.S.A. LEISURE TIME; Source: ORRRC Report
AVERAGE WORKWEEK (HOURS)
0 10 20 30 40
1960
1975
2000
4 2 0
PAID VACATION (WEEKS)
It is interesting to study the preference which the individual participant has for various types of recreational
activities. Although the preference for recreational activities may vary on a regional basis, the tremendous upswing
of certain types of activities and the interests of many groups for varied activities points out the need for variety in
the Greenbelt experience.
PERCENTAGE
0 10 20 ~ ~ ~ 00 w 00 00 =
AUTO RIDING
PICNICS
SWIMMING
FISHING
BOATING
HIKING
NATURE WALKS
HUNTING
CAMPING
HORSEBACK RIDING
SKIING
PLATE NO. 3-0UTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES PREFERENCE;
Source: ORRRC Report
21
CHAPTER II
CONCEPT ANALYSIS
AND DESIGN CRITERIA
Visual Impact
Landscaped Extensions
Land Use
Planning and Zoning
Traffic and Circulation
Hydrology
Ecology
Topography
VISUAL IMPACT
There are at least two separate and apparent areas of
consideration concerning visual impact. One is the
impact which the Greenbelt and its continuation
through the urban pattern imposes on the traveling
motorist and the other is impact in terms of the
pedestrian perspective or ground level recreation
standpoint. The design proposed accomodates the
traveling motorist to the greatest extent possible while
retaining the necessary privacy which is desirable. The
motorist is able to travel along the Greenbelt with easy
transition from farming of mountainous terrain into the
city itself. Protection of the river and encouragement to
stop either in travel through the city or within the city
has been a careful consideration from the standpoint of
design. The pedestrian, bicyclist and horseman are given
the greater advantage by the Greenbelt design. The
environment which is being created along the Greenbelt
does not encourage enclosures, fencing or other
impediments to use and view except where walks or
viewpoints are included in the design.
The illustrations of Sketches and Cross Sections indicate
considerations given in relation to the noises created by
vehicles. The types of uses which are accommodated in
the Greenbelt as related to the noise factor were
CENTER LINE OF FOUR LANE AUTO ROUTE
considered, thus streets closely parallelling a narrow area
of the Greenbelt had more consideration given to
buffering and noise abatement than was necessary where
land areas of the Greenbelt are wider. Plant materials are
potentially the most effective device for reducing noise
as well as to screen and beautify these areas by careful
handling.
The scale of the total city was also carefully considered.
For instance, the city's skyline and the impression that
trees and open areas, which are a paramount feature of
the total city, have been emphasized in the design. Vistas
and historical edifices were considered and the activity
experiences drawing users from one area to another
were analyzed. This type of relationship is highly
important in encouraging more pronounced use of the
Greenbelt since an individual is drawn from one area to
another by the inclusion of facilities which may be seen
or at least anticipated based on the scale of the separate
areas.
Visual impact and c1v1c pride impressions are readily
attainable in the Greenbelt since a great amount of this
has been accomplished by the park system not in
existence.
DISTANCE FROM CENTER LINE OF FOUR LANE AUTO ROUTE
100' 200' 300' 400'
LEVEL GROUND J
18o±.
USE TYPE
NATURAL & PASTORAL
AREAS
GEN'L PARK, GOLF
COURSE & PICNIC
~~~~~~--4---4-~
LEVEL GROUND ..}
so±.
ESTIMATED DETRIMENTAL IMPACT OF FOUR LANE AUTO ROUTE UPON VARIOUS USES
24
BUILDING AREAS
BEACHES
MARINAS & PICNIC
' ll
I
~ I
DSCAPED EXTENSIONS
One of the most vital additional potentials which should
be carefully considered in the total city open space
effort is the extension of the Greenbelt or landscape
treatment on additional streets and areas. The Boise City
Park Department has developed projections which show
the suggested areas for neighborhood, community and
other parks which either exist or must be acquired.
These proposals are on record in the Park Department,
and the present discussion of proposed landscaped open
space extensions is not intended to supersede or replace
those well thought out proposals. It is, however, the
intention of this report to indicate and propose that
there be considerable emphasis placed on expansion of
the Greenbelt and other large parks adjacent thereto into
other critical areas of concern within the City. Most
cities are now attempting to unify and blend areas of
beautification. This can be stated in part as those areas
where visual affect should be attained, either from the
standpoint of the resident or the motorist who may be a
new visitor to the communtiy. These landscaped
extensions are usually treated on an intimate and
detailed basis due to the size of the areas to be
developed. The Landscaped Extensions Map No. 3
indicates some of the areas which should be considered
in future proposals. These improvements may be
brought about in the City's annual budget program as a
result of the Model Cities Program, or like efforts. It is
hoped that by this illustration, additional thought will
be given to connecting linkages other than strictly along
the river system itself.
It is also important to note that the City should be
actively engaged in an analysis of its canal systems and
irrigation ditches which are plentiful throughout the
community. This does not mean that all of these areas
should be made into parks or Greenbelts, but that
specific areas other than those indicated on the
Landscaped Extensions Map could be highly desirable in
a cohesive open-space pattern. These areas are important
from the open space standpoint, as well as in terms of
pollution and safety precautions which will continue to
be of concern as the density of the metropolitan area
increases.
One of the strongest criticisms which has been heard
about open space land in the public setting has been its
lack of use because of poor location. Because the
Greenbelt passes through the urban core of the City and
is related in many ways to commercial and industrial
activities, the Greenbelt must be encouraged to reach in
among the heavy use area to encourage beauty and
security. These areas shown as finger projections should
be used by employees and others wishing to
communicate with the urban pattern. The location
advantages of almost every section of the Greenbelt can·
not be over emphasized in terms of the need for good
civic design.
~j:t w! l6Jl~-r""fF"'~*-trr="lta .....-:•: :t ~~~~
25
LAND USE
Beginning at the easterly extremity of the Greenbelt, the
existing land use pattern is rather rural in character with
dry grazing and livestock land with some homes located
on existing street systems. This area of the community
promises to become an excellent location for residential
development, especially when better street access is
developed and when sewer and storm drainage problems
are solved. Land use treatment adjacent to the Greenbelt
and the design of the Greenbelt should be sympathetic
to each other.
As the river extends westerly and approaches the City
limits, the density of the residential pattern increases
with several conflicting land uses located adjacent to the
river itself. Inharmonious uses not oriented to the river,
such as the south side of the Park Boulevard frontage
with its substandard housing examples are more
commonplace than desirable. The zoning pattern permits
commercial expansion on the north side of the river and
owing to the narrowness of the strip between Park
Boulevard and the river rather stringent design review
requirements for new construction should be imposed.
Streets in a grid pattern, stubbing against the south side
of the river in this area compound against the natural
advantages that are apparent if these streets were
properly designed with the Greenbelt in mind. This
problem will require City efforts to establish the proper
local street pattern, especially since higher density
activities are very I ikely to occur because of nearness to
Boise State College and the Greenbelt amenities which
are developing.
The area along the river west of Broadway Avenue
presents a unique land use relationship with Boise State
College on one side and Julia Davis Park on the other.
These established land uses give manifold advantage
against the possibility of public open space diminishing
in this locale. No thrust of use into Julia Davis Park,
other than multiple purpose park use, should be
entertained due to its location and continuing value as
public open space. This is generally true throughout the
park system being developed in Boise City.
The I inkage of a major part of the park system by the
Greenbelt proposals such as between Municipal Park,
Julia Davis Park, Boise State College and Ann Morrison
Park overrides the question of not connecting these
separate but closely located units because of design or
cost problems. The long·range land use pattern,
therefore, expresses a need for greenbelt unity in the
linkage proposals. With growth and inherent improve·
ment of circulation patterns, the privately owned areas
26
west of Capitol Boulevard, on both sides of the river,
will undoubtedly undergo substantial land use changes
over a period of time. The extent and importance of
Ann Morrison Park as a public open space can also be
further solidified by proper land use patterns on the
northerly side of the river and in the area east of Ann
Morrison Park extending to Capitol Boulevard. These
properties have considerable vacant areas and are now
used for truck terminals, warehousing, vehicle storage,
vacant land, commercial enterprises and scattered
residential uses. The changes which will come about by
the Greenbelt implementation alone will create a
demand for solidification of zoning.
Extending westerly from Americana Boulevard on the
north side of the river, the land use pattern intensifies
into light industrial and heavy equipment storage, sales
and maintenance. This vicinity is typified by the failure
of existing development to use the river to any aesthetic
advantage. Vacant land is in existence to a greater degree
than would ordinarily be expected. The streets are
inadequate adding to a confusing and substandard
pattern of design for the area. South of the river, the
same can generally be said of the mixed office,
warehousing and campground activities. The nearby
Masonic Temple property is vacant at present, and
although it is privately owned, proposals being made for
the overall design promise an exciting contribution to
the Greenbelt linkage system. Because of substantial
open space areas such as the Masonic Temple property,
Ann Morrison Park and others, conflicting land use
patterns nearby should be upgraded to meet the
advantages of location in this area.
The Main Street-Fairview Avenue Couplet has service
commercial and light industrial land uses adjacent to the
river. The improved street pattern now in existence and
those proposed in the design of the Greenbelt aids in
better identification of land uses and diminishes the
confusion which has existed heretofore in this vicinity.
The northerly side of the river beyond the Couplet
supports extensive gravel excavation activities, and
although the land use pattern is not entirely solidified,
the Greenbelt proposals will aid in arriving at an
acceptable pattern for this area. It is also apparent in this
instance that extensive changes in existing land use
patterns may also be desirable over a period of time. If
this area is to be used to its greatest advantage,
extraction of gravel deposits should undoubtedly
continue, but recontouring, creation of access, design
amenity and other important aspects of good city
planning should be required. There will also be more
attention focused in this area by the imaginative use of
the water open space and the establishment of an
upgraded street system.
While the greenbelt design is presented mainly covering
an extensive area of Boise City, it is highly important
that Garden City and Ada County become sympathetic
partners in extending the Greenbelt and encouraging
proper land use in the individual jurisdiction areas. A
generalized proposal hAs been made in the Garden City
area as well as in those areas presently unincorporated
but which are part of the Greenbelt path. It is important
that at least those enclaves or islands which are not
within the City yet but are between Gate City Steel on
the east and the Boise City Sewer land on the west be
included in an active City County cooperative effort to
insure continuity and solidification of the Greenbelt.
PLANNING AND ZONING
Significant proposals on planning and zoning have been
written directly into the conclusions and recommenda­tions
of this report. Since the conclusions and
recommendations propose that specific ordinances and
amendments take place in the process of implementation
of the Greenbelt objectives, the most beneficial addition
to those recommendations and conclusions would be to
suggest items which will be helpful as additions to
existing or proposed ordinances.
FLOOD CONTROL ORDINANCE A flood control
zoning classification should be written into Boise City's
Zoning Ordinance to cover areas where flooding is a
hazard. As related to the Greenbelt, such a classification
would clearly point out the areas where the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, in its study titled "Flood Plain
Information for Boise River and North Side Tributar
ies," indicated the specific areas where flooding may
take place. It is noteworthy that the Greenbelt design
attempts to take thise areas into consideration. The
working of the flood control zoning classification should
speak to the type of construction which would be
permitted in these flood zones and the precautions
which must be taken on the structures which are places
within hazard areas. The suggested golf course location
in an example of the flood area, and a club house is a
good example of construction which would have to
recognize the hazard of flooding.
SETBACK ORDINANCE - After adoption of the
Greenbelt plan, it is apparent that certain setback
requirements should be required for buildings which are
constructed along the Greenbelt. The setbacks which
may be required can only have substance and meaning if
Neighborhood Analysis work has progressed sufficiently
to set down the goals and objectives mentioned as
desirable prerequisites to the planning implementation
phase.
Closely related to setbacks required along the Greenbelt,
is the need to setback structures on those streets and
areas which are identified on the Landscaped Projections'
Map No.4.
EXCAVATION ORDINANCE - Examples of excava­tion
ordinances are more common in county government
since excavation is generally taking place ahead of
metropolitan expansion. In the case of the Greenbelt,
there are excavation activities at both ends of the
planning area. Since growth of the City will take place,
and these areas of excavation will remain, a recom­mendation
is made that the city consider an excavation
ordinance working closely with property owners for
suitable recontouring of excavated areas. By this
method, the blight which would be caused if these areas
are not adequately planned for will be largely
eliminated. The design of the Boise River Greenbelt
purposes to use these large excavation areas as recreation
advantages. It is also apparent that an excavation
ordinance could help in eliminating the water hazard at
the extraction pits.
27
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
The conclusions and recommendations section of this
report contains the discussion on traffic and circulation
as related to the Greenbelt. The need to unify overall
traffic and circulation patterns of the City into a
cohesive statement would be most helpful in eliminating
problems which occur when a single purpose proposal is
HYDROLOGY
The design for the Greenbelt proposes that some areas
along the river be improved to facilitate water flow
where stagnation occurs. This proposal is not intended
to negate fishing and wildlife habitat. The scenic view
points which are suggested along the Greenbelt take
advantage of the more spectacular parts of the River
where the water flow is interesting. During periods of
high water on the Boise River, use of the Greenbelt will
be less than during periods of normal water level.
Because of the difficulty and expense which would
occur if the City was to create passage for equestrians
riding from one end of the Greenbelt to the other, the
design proposes that trails for horses be kept east of
Broadway Avenue on one end and west of the Main
Street bridge on the other end with arenas and loading
ECOLOGY
Investigation of the river in areas where acquisition and
development must take place shows that the existing
plant materials are of questionable value in most cases.
The extensive underbrush has created a difficult
situation in terms of gaining access and viewing the river
properly. It is important to note that careful
consideration must be given to plant materials which are
included in the Greenbelt since the problem of watering
TOPOGRAPHY
The illustrations of Sketches and Cross Sections indicate
topography as related to use activities of the Greenbelt.
Care must be taken that permanent structures and trails
along the Greenbelt are above the high water areas unless
specific precautions for flood construction are utilized.
The existing topography is varied and the development
of the Greenbelt will generally improve the hazard
situation. As stated earlier, careful consideration should
be given so that no vista or other advantages which
improve the environment along the Greenbelt are closed
from use. Whenever fences to protect life are to be
included, it is highly desirable that these not be edifices
which are obviously detrimental to the beauty of the
being made. Traffic and circulation, as well as other
elements of city planning are a continuing process, and
any traffic and circulation plan must not override other
important aspects of city progress, but basic published
proposals for ready reference would be of significant
worth to the City.
and unloading areas provided. The hydrological prob­lems
created during high water would prevent passage of
animals from one end of the Greenbelt to the other
unless very costly structures vere built. The horses will
be able to travel the extent of the Greenbelt during
periods of low water by use of the streambed itself.
The design proposes that the river alignment by
Municipal Park be adjusted and stabilized, since high
water periods have continued to encroach into Municipal
Park.
The illustrations of cross-sections in this report point
out a desirable contour extending from the water's edge
to the boundary of the Greenbelt.
28
exist and natural habitat should be encouraged where
turfing and extensive watering systems will not be used.
Since wells will probably be used to water where turfing
takes place, these areas for turfing must be carefully
selected. Plant materials in these watered areas can be of
a greater variety. Removal of existing plant materials
should be carefully controlled by the Park Department
to insure that no useful foliage is taken.
areas in question. Stone and soft wood textures are more
acceptable than wire mesh and like harsh treatment.
It is specifically noted that the property lines used in the
design work were furnished by Boise City without actual
engineering surveys and therefore must be considered to
be estimates. Due to the meandering activity of Boise
River, the solidification of the property line locations
will be a very helpful addition to the acquisition
information which the City must develop. This problem
will also affect the question of topography improvement
as the Greenbelt is developed.
E ·oN ciYIM SNOISNal.l.Xal OalciY:)SONY,
LANDSCAPED EXTENSIONS
MAP N0.3
SCALE:
0 1600 3200 4800
BOISE RIVER
GREENBELT
GREENBELT EXTENSIONS
r
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION MAP NO. 4
The area extending easterly rom the Main
Fa1rv1ew Avenue Couplet should have
Street extended through t Americana
This requires crossing the Union Pacifi
tracks and permits conn tion of this
Shoreline Drive near the K- art Store on
Boulevard.
Thirtieth Street should be e:
and Fairview Couplet to thE
extension, capping the pre
which extend from Twenty-S
Street generally in a south ~r
will initially serve to move
truck traffic and is placed in
to eliminate this truck traff
residential neighborhood
'--j--.1--,!!':;:.:enty-Seventh Street. The 1
h I to form a proper des g1
Lake whe
TRAFFIC & CIRCULATION
MAP N0.4
SCALE:
0 1600 3200 4800
BOISE RIVER
GREENBELT
STREETS
Jld be extended from the Main
et to the proposed Curtis Road
the presentlf existing streets
rwenty-Seventiz Street and State
southlrly dire ion. This street
o move signi nt amounts of
Jlaced in this icular location
Jck traffic p g through the
•rhood on h sides of
~t. The pi street
>er des-gn fo t belt and
vhe · · al
Twenty-Seventh Street and Twenty-Third Street
will undoubtedly continue to function as major
arterial streets. Owing to this, River Street should be
emphasized easterly from the Main Street and
Fairview Avenue Couplet and should extend across
Capitol Boulevard curving to Myrtle Street in an
uninterrupted pattern. Since Thirtieth Street is
proposed to extend to Americana Boulevard and on
to the Post Office location, provisions should also be
made for the possible extension of this street adjacent
to the Greenbelt and on to River Street near Eleventh
Street. This continuance permits proper access to the
proposed Capitol Boulevard- Ninth Street Couplet.
This suggested street pattern is valid unless the River
Street area undergoes substantial revitalization
according to an overall plan.
A Capitol Boulevard and Ninth Street couplet is proposed closely related to recent studies
completed for the State Highway Department. Suggested alterations to these study proposals to
the north. No new bridge is proposed over the Boise River in the area of Eleventh Street due to the
functional pattern for traffic which would be developed by a new Ninth Street bridge and the
mentioned Couplet. Right turn movements for southbound traffic could be limited to the River
Street-Ninth Street connections, thus giving additional access for traffic to arrive at Boise State
College via College Boulevard.
River Street is proposed to extend to Myrtle Street east of Capitol Boulevard. Although there may
be some disruption of the land use patterns by this extension, the redesigned access to Julia Davis
Park necessitated by the Capitol Boulevard-Ninth Street Couplet, and the worth of a River Street
extension to Myrtle Street overrides problems of disruption which may be created. Careful design
treatment could enhance the entrance to Julia Davis Park. In addition, other core area
redevelopment proposals indicate a need to have improved access to Fifth Street extending north
to the Federal Building as well as south on Sixth Street from the same area. The proposals
mentioned accomplish this possibility including free flowing exit from Capitol Boulevard as
entrance to the core area is made from the south. This is highly desirable due to the restricted
areas on Capitol Boulevard being proposed in redevelopment plans.
Since River Street is proposed to connect to Myrtle
Street in the Capitol Boulevard area, it is also logical
that this extension continue easterly in a proper way.
The crossing of Broadway Avenue at the best possible
angle of intersection is recommended with the
extension continuing east adjacent to the Greenbelt.
The City is developing proposals in harmony with the
recently announced Morrison-Knudsen development
for proper alignment of streets as related to Myrtle
Street, Park Boulevard and Broadway Avenue.
As this extension continues east, an improved
alignment of the Boise River is proposed.
Stabilization of the river near Municipal Park is
desirable due to high water encroachment. By this
realignment, the street can continue in its easterly
direction along the Citizens Right-of-Way on the
southerly side of the railroad track. Access to the
proposed Municipal Golf Course is necessary, and this
proposal creates such access. Freeways which may be
constructed in this locale will not give adequate
~ess to the Greenbelt since careful control is always
exe?'\ed as to local access to and from freeways.
The Greenbelt circulation pattern and ~ha~the ----~
City in general would be considerably ~hanc by
better access to South Boise. The Boise ity
Comprehensive General Pian proposes arterial streets
extending to the east from Broadway Avenue. This
continues to be highly desirable. Needed arterial
streets will function more suitably with the Greenbelt
and adjacent developing areas if an additional bridge
extending across the Boise River is constructed at the
easterly end of the Greenbelt project. This bridge will
create South Boise access, permit better use of the
Greenbelt, create access to the Golf Course on both
sides of the river, and generally improve the overall
traffic pattern for the community.
CHAPTER Ill
FEASIBILITY
Programming, Costs and Financing
PROGRAMMING, COSTS AND FINANCING
development of the Greenbelt, and a coordinated effort
to direct these energies would create the greatest benefit
to the public. The Boise City Park Department will
assuredly feel the impact of additional responsibility
concerning development of the Greenbelt and as a result,
is entirely possible that a Greenbelt Program Coordina­tor
will need to be established as part of the Park
Director's Staff. It ·has already been established that
certain areas are more critical than others as related to
early acquisition. The Greenbelt design makes these
ari3as apparent" and· sUggestions on specific properties to
be acquired are avoided in this report since the
coordihatioh and acquisition program suggested should
establish the priorities as funding and development is
Acquisition of considerable property is required to
insure completion of the Greenbelt program. Due to
inflationary trends, especially when an ambitious effort
is begun, a well conceived program of acquisition is very
vitaL It has been noted that "use agreements" or "short
of fee acquisitions" are an important facet to be
explored. It is recommended that Boise City consider
employment of a technician to actively pursue use
agreements as well as acquisition. The taxpayer's interest
would be well served if a signific~nt program of.
acquisition, such as envisioned for the Greenbelt, is not'
sporadic in nature. Although this employee may not be
used full·time for the Greenbelt since other public
right-of-way purchases and agreements are always
necessary, he could keep the City's acquisition program
moving forward by taking advantage of every possibility
to carry out the plan in a coordinated manner.
. solidi,fied.
Development of the land which is part of the Greenbelt
will be expensive as will be a continuing maintenance
program. The turfed areas as well as those areas where
concentrated activity is expected will be the most
expensive to develop and maintain. It is highly desirable
to encourage citizen organizations to participate in the
Overall appraisal of land costs has not been accomplish­ed
by the City since appraisals will be confidential in
nature, and funding is a matter of continuing
consideration, this report will give only acreage estimates
of land ac.quisition requirements. The following statistics
will be of benefit in reaching conclusions concerning the
acquistion and development of the Greenbelt since
direct dollar amounts, when available, can be applied.
ESTIMATED PARKS AND GREENBELT AND AREAS
Acreage
(North Side)
East of Broadway Avenue
Boise City (parks) 36.0
Boise City (R.D.W.) 0.5
Private Ownership 47.5 111
Meander Areas 27.5
Other 53.0 121
Total 164.5
Between Broadway Avenue
& Capitol Boulevard
Boise City (Parks) 107.5
Boise City (R.O.W.) 0
Private Ownership 0
Meander Areas 0
Other 0
Total 107.5
Between Capitol Boulevard
& Americana Boulevard
Boise City (Parks) 0
Boise City (R.O.W.) 1.0
Private Ownership 8.0
Meander Area 3.5
Other 0
Total 12.5
( 1) Includes Boise Water Corporation Land.
(2) Includes State of Idaho Prison Farm Land.
Acreage
(South Side)
0
0.7
125.6
14.7
0
141.0
0
6 (3)
0
0
0
6
154.0
0
10.5
0
0
164.5
(3) Includes Right-of-Way for Campus Drive and Land Adjacent.
32
Acreage Acreage
Between Americana (North Side) (South Side)
Boulevard & Main Street
Boise City (Parks) 0 0
Boise City (R.D.W.) 2.5 0
Private Ownership 6.5 8.0
Meander Area 1.5 0
Other 0 0
Total 10.5 8.0
Between Main Street
to Waste Disposal Plant
Boise City (Parks) 0 0
Boise City (R.O.W.) 0 0
Private Ownership 129.5 141 0.5151
Meander Area 0 0
Other 1.5 0
Total 131.0 0.5
TOTAL BY Grand ·Acreage Acreage
CATEGORY Total (South Side) (North Side)
Boise City (Parks) 297.5 143.5 154.0
Boise City (R.O.W.) 10.7 4.0 6.7
Private Ownership 336.1 191.5 144.6
Meander Area 47.2 32.5 14.7
Other 54.5 54.5 0.0
GRAND TOTAL 746.0 426.0 320.0
(4) Includes Substantial Area for Marina Development
15) Does Not include Garden City frontage.

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Full-text

BOISE RIVER GREENBELT
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN & DESIGN
PLANNING
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City Hall
605 Bannock Street
Boise, Idaho
Gentlemen:
RESEARCH/ WEST
In accordance with our agreement of July 8, 1968, Planning Research/West is pleased to submit a
comprehensive plan and design for the Boise River Greenbelt. It has been both a pleasure and a
challenge to have had the responsibility of preparing this report.
The consultants have worked with the City, its officials, agencies, and commissions as well as with
the general public during the formulation of the design. We are aware that credit is due many
groups and individuals, and we are grateful for the fine cooperation extended to us.
This submission is made with confidence that the Greenbelt will be a lasting resource which will ba
a credit to the City and the State of Idaho.
Very truly yours,
PLANNING RESEARCH/WEST
10 SOUTH LATAH
BOISE, IDAHO 83705 (208) 342-0941 Bets- STATE COLLEGE LIBRARY
JUN 6 '69
CREDITS
Preparation of this report has been accomplished by the cooperative
efforts of many people. Particular credit should be given to those
groups and individuals listed below.
BOISE CITY COUNCIL
Jay S. Amyx, Mayor
Sherm Perry, President
William Onweiler, President Pro Tern
Ralph F. Fraser
Anna Hettinger
H.T. "Buck" Jones
Elmo W. Orr
BOISE CITY PARK BOARD
Charles Campbell, President
Tom Brandon, Vice-President
James Bruce
Stanley Burns
Dr. A. H. Chatburn
A I ice 0 ieter
Bradford P. Shaw
2
BOISE CITY
PLANNING-ZONING COMMISSION
Glen E. Cline, Chairman
Robert H. Vincent, Vice-Chairman
Lyle R. Cobbs
Raymond D. Givens
Robert M. Harrison
William L. Johnson
Fred L. Kopke, Jr.
Earl C. Reynolds, Jr.
C. Ralph Rudolph
BOISE CITY STAFF
Gordon S. Bowen, Park Superintendent
Russell Carter, Planning Director
William E. Everts, Recreation Director
Robeft H. Griffiths, Public Works Director
Herbert Mayer, Traffic Engineer
858:Hi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
General
Methodology
Scope and Objectives
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Land Use ..... .
Planning and Zoning .
Traffic and Circulation
Feasibility .....
CHAPTER I-PAST AND PRESENT
Historical Setting
Existing Situation
Case Studies
Trends .....
CHAPTER II-CONCEPT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN CRITERIA
Visual Impact . . . .
Landscaped Extensions
Land Use ..... .
Planning and Zoning .
Traffic and Circulation
Hydrology
Ecology
Topography
CHAPTER Ill-FEASIBILITY
6
6
6
10
11
12
14
18
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
28
28
28
28
Programming, Costs and Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ILLUSTRATIONS
Map No. 1-Pianning Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map No. 2-Greenbelt Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plate No. 1-Present and Projected Population of the Boise Metropqlitan Area
Plate No. 2-U.S.A. Leisure Time . . . . . . . . .
Plate No. 3-0utdoor Recreation Activities Preference
Map No. 3-Landscaped Extensions
Map No. 4-Traffic and Circulation . . . . . . . .
8a
16a
20
21
21
. 30a
. 30b
It is noted that aside from those illustrations listed above, a design of the Boise River Greenbelt at a scale of one inch
equals 50 feet has been prepared and submitted as part of this report. Property lines must be considered as
approximate. Detailed design prior to construction will, of necessity, be required for specific areas.
3
INTRODUCTION
General
Methodology
Scope and Objectives
GENERAL
It is appropriate that in 1968, Boise City has chosen to
aggressively attack the implementation program of the
Boise River Greenbelt. Historically the Boise River
Greenbelt, as it is now named, has been discussed by
nearly all of the citizens of the City. Its effect on the
community and most importantly, the overriding
prospects of intensifying the use and beauty of the total
community by its development, places the implementa­tion
program in an area of popular support. The Boise
City administration and the community at large have
seen too many examples of the loss of valuable assets in
other areas of the nation to permit the Boise River
Greenbelt program to remain in an area of anticipation.
Through the founding years of our country, over 50
major cities were located on rivers where there was a
need to have ready access to and cheap transportation
for industry. At a time in history of rapid growth and
expansion, too I ittle thought was given to 1968 and
beyond when the population of the greatest and
METHODOLOGY
The approach used in the development of these materials
was to prepare the design and the report concurrently,
with major areas of concern receiving critical analysis
and illustration based on criteria which was developed
during progress of the work. The items which are
included in the contents of the report text were believed
to be of material importance in considering a course of
action for future acquisition and development. It
became increasingly apparent during project formulation
that the magnitude of the effort would necessitate
future detailed design of distinct areas on the Greenbelt.
The generalizations which may be made in this report
are kept to a minimum insofar as possible to insure that
recipients of the work will fully understand the program,
its concepts and alternative possibilities where alterna­tives
are meaningful.
Maximum use was made of previous studies. This
included significant work done on behalf of the
community before and after the Greenbelt was
conceived. Early in project development it was
determined that the City's official family should be kept
abreast of tentative and final proposals. This method of
remaining in liaison resulted in several meetings with the
City Staff, Park Board, Planning-Zoning Commission and
the Mayor and City Council to provide advice and
support in areas of concern.
6
wealthiest nation in the world would be exceeding 300
million by the year 2000. The present picture is quite
different than during the industrial revolution when the
population was approximately 75 million. The problems
of growth and inherent urban complexities are of
enough importance that America is now undergoing a
change. An agonizing reappraisal of the highest and best
use of prime natural resources has seen the pendulum
swing to preservation and reconstitution of the original
resource. It is in this context that an aggressive Boise
River Greenbelt program is being undertaken.
Frederick Law Olmstead, the father of landscape
architecture, wrote the following in 1877: "Our country
has entered upon a state of progress in which its welfare
is to depend on the conveniences, safety, order, and
economy of life in its great cities. It cannot prosper
independently of them; cannot gain virtue, wisdom,
comfort, except as they advance."
SCOPE AND
OB.JECTIVES
By the present effort, Boise City is becoming an even
greater city. In 1968, the Mayor and City Council
budgeted for acquisition of the first prime properties in
the Greenbelt which will help to anchor the program.
They employed the services of the consultant on July 8,
1968 to prepare a comprehensive plan and design for the
Greenbelt and to set down firm guidelines and policies
for development.
The general area of coverage encompassed in the design
includes a strip of land approximately 3,000 feet in
width in the Boise River area extending from the narrow
point by Gate City Steel industrial development east of
Boise City downstream to the Boise City Sewage
Treatment Plant as illustrated on map No. 1.
The objective of this work was to bring together into
related documents a usable format for the City
administration, its boards, commissions and staff, as well
as the citizens of the community. These documents are
one, a Boise River Greenbelt design; and two, a greenbelt
comprehensive plan.
I '
PLANNING AREA MAP NO. t
PLANNING AREA
MAP N0.1
SCALE:
0 1600 3200 4800
BOISE RIVER
STUDY AREA
PLANNING AREA
MAP N0.1
SCALE:
0 1600 3200 4800
BOISE RIVER
STUDY AREA
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Land Use
Planning and Zoning
Traffic and Circulation
Feasibility
Greenbelt Plan
LAND USE
It is recommended that to improve and solidify the land
use patterns which are desirable as related to the Boise
River Greenbelt, the following should be done:
1.
2.
3.
Some land use patterns adjacent to the
Greenbelt should be permitted to change
from their present structure.
The land use patterns should be protected
by adequate ordinance amendments and
adoption to prohibit pollution, to require
land recontouring as desirable where excava·
tion is underway, to solidify zoning which is
presently in a liquid or loose state, and to
assure the private sector that a solidified
growth pattern has been adopted by the
City.
The framework of individual neighborhoods
lying adjacent to the Greenbelt should be
better understood and the procedures for
4.
10
implementation of the neighborhood land
use objectives and goals set down in writing.
Development of proper criteria will be
emphasized by the Greenbelt itself. The
Design Review requirements, which are part
of the City's zoning ordinance, are recom·
mended to be applied to substantial areas
adjacent to the Greenbelt. Proper neighbor·
hood design with applied Design Review
consideration would give substance and
meaning to the City's efforts since guidelines
would be available.
Many of the existing streets adjacent to the
Greenbelt should be redesigned and new
streets built to insure completion of the
Greenbelt and continued growth of related
land use patterns. This not only applies to
those new streets discussed in this report,
but also existing local streets that are
unsatisfactory as related to the Greenbelt.
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PLANNING AND ZONING
Since the Greenbelt manifests itself as an open space
area which is generally horizontally aligned along Boise
River through a significant part of the City, it becomes
readily apparent that the planning and zoning along the
river must receive careful consideration. It is also
apparent that this consideration should bring about
several changes in present zoning classifications. The
Greenbelt touches upon neighborhoods with residential
emphasis, with retail commercial activities, industrial
areas, educational institutions, and upon existing parks.
Today, most of the private sector activities do not use
the amenities of the river. Based upon the tremendous
variety of activities which must be promoted and
sympathised with in any Greenbelt development, the
following is recommended:
1. The "A" Open Land classification which
exists in the Boise City Zoning Ordinance is
the classification which should be placed
upon the Greenbelt lands and upon adjoin·
ing public buildings. The zoning ordinance
of the City should be amended, however, to
have open space public lands and buildings
as a separate entity of the ordinance. Today
there is some confusion in the ordinance
which exists due to the "A" Open Land
classification also serving as an agricultural
zone. Although these areas can generally be
classified as open land, there is adequate
benefit in separating these two major areas
of land use. The zoning which is adopted for
the Greenbelt and other public open space
areas and buildings should be better defined
in the continuing role of these uses in the
community.
2. The Design Review requirements of the
Boise City Zoning Ordinance whould relate
to the "A" Open Space areas with specific
wording. By this method, the objectives and
goals of the community which affect the
private ownership adjacent to these areas
would be obtainable. The Neighborhood
Analysis effort which has been discussed by
the City and which should be accomplished
in the near future must set down the criteria
which will encourage the lands adjacent to
the Greenbelt to be designed in sympathy
with the tremendous amenities of the
11
Greenbelt. Even though efforts of the City
to establish the Greenbelt are being made,
there must also be a coordinated concept
which will require design sympathy with the
Greenbelt although it is understood that
community pride and increase of land values
will encourage better development relation·
ships.
3. From the planning standpoint, it is also
highly desirable that every effort be
explored to permit the private sector to
introduce water from Boise River into
developments for aesthetic and practkal use.
Fountains, waterfalls, waterways and other
treatment are possibilities which would not
deplete the river.
4. The design proposed for the riverbed
included suggestions which will encourage
more constant flow of water in given areas,
thus discouraging areas of stagnation and
pollution. It is desirable that every effort be
made by the City to prohibit the use of
Boise River for waste disposal. This includes
correction of negative influences such as
open drains, dumping, land fills, recircula·
tion of impure water and like distasteful
river intrusions. The scope of this work did
not permit a water pollution study which
would specifically point out these intrusions.
5. The adoption of the Greenbelt design and
program should excite the imagination of
the community to the extent that the
impact of the Greenbelt will be apparent. In
this regard it is again emphasized that the
community should set forth very specific
goals and objectives on behalf of the
Greenbelt itself. This discussion was touched
upon in the land use recommendations
wherein it was stated that considerable
change and upgrading of adjacent properties
can be expected and should take place
because of the focus which will occur. The
City should give high priority to develop·
ment of these objectives and goals.
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
Based upon present plans and proposals largely being
developed by Boise City and upon conditions which
became apparent in Greenbelt design preparation, the
following recommendations are made on traffic and
circulation as related to the Greenbelt:
1. No freeway or expressway should be
constructed as an adjacent activity of the
Greenbelt, but wherever possible, streets
parallel to the Greenbelt should be given
careful treatment with Boulevard standards
to add a pleasing environment for motorists
and users of the Greenbelt. Streets of
freeway or expressway magnitude are
proposed in other locations of the City, and
streets servicing affected properties near the
Greenbelt and the Greenbelt itself should be
of arterial street and local street standards.
2.
3.
4.
Thirtieth Street should be extended from
the Main and Fairview Couplet to the
proposed Curtis Road extension, capping the
presently existing streets which extend from
Twenty-Seventh Street and State Street
generally in a southerly direction. This street
will initially serve to move significant
amounts of truck traffic and is placed in this
particular location to eliminate this truck
traffic passing through the residential
neighborhood on both sides of Twenty·
Seventh Street. The placement of this street
helps to form a proper design for the
Greenbelt and Greenbelt Lake where sign if·
icant recreational potentials exist.
The area extending easterly from the Main
Street and Fairview Avenue Couplet should
have Thirtieth Street extended through to
Americana Boulevard. This requires crossing
the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and
permits connection of this street to Shore­line
Drive near the K-Mart Store on
Americana Boulevard.
Twenty-Seventh Street and Twenty-Third
Street will undoubtedly continue to func­tion
as major arterial streets. Owing to this,
River Street should be emphasized easterly
from the Main Street and Fairview Avenue
Couplet and should extend across Capitol
Boulevard curving to Myrtle Street in an
uninterrupted pattern. Since Thirtieth Street
is proposed to extend to Americana
5.
6.
7.
12
Boulevard and on to the Post Office
location, provisions sould also be made for
the possible extension of this street adjacent
to the Greenbelt and on to River Street near
Eleventh Street. This continuance permits
proper access to the proposed Capitol
Boulevard-Ninth Street Couplet. This sug·
gested street pattern is valid unless the River
Street area undergoes substantial revitaliza­tion
according to an overall plan.
A Capitol Boulevard and Ninth Street
couplet is proposed closely related to recent
studies completed for the State Highway
Department. Suggested alterations to these
study proposals shift the southbound traffic
from Eighth Street to Ninth Street because
of the redevelopment proposals to the north.
No new bridge is proposed over the Boise
River in the area of Eleventh Street due to
the functional pattern for traffic which
would be developed by a new Ninth Street
bridge and the mentioned Couplet. Right
turn movements for southbound traffic
could be limited to the River Street-Ninth
Street connections, thus giving additional
access for traffic to arrive at Boise State
College via College Boulevard.
No street or river crossings are proposed
extending Campus Drive to the west. The
continued limitation suggested for this street
precludes its becoming a thoroughfare for
unwanted commuter traffic in front of Boise
State College and adjacent to the Greenbelt.
River Street is proposed to extend to Myrtle
Street east of Capitol Boulevard. Although
there may be some disruption of the land
use patterns by this extension, the redesign­ed
access to Julia Davis Park. In addition,
other core area redevelopment proposals
indicate a need to have improved access to
Fifth Street extending North to the Federal
Building as well as south on Sixth Street
from the same area. The proposals mention­ed
accomplish this possibility including free
flowing exit from Capitol Boulevard as
entrance to the core area is made from the
south. This is highly desirable due to the
restricted areas on Capitol Boulevard being
proposed in redevelopment plans.
8.
9.
Since River Street is proposed to connect to
Myrtle Street in the Capitol Boulevard area,
it is also logical that this extension continue
easterly in a proper way. The crossing of
Broadway Avenue at the best possible angle
of intersection is recommended with the
extension continuing east adjacent to the
Greenbelt. The City is developing proposals
in harmony with the recently announced
Morrison-Knudsen development for proper
alignment of streets as related to Myrtle
Street, Park Boulevard and Broadway
Avenue.
As this extension continues east, an
improved alignment of the Boise River is
proposed. Stabili zation of the river near
Municipal Park is desirable due to high water
encroachment. By this realignment, the
street can continue in its easterly direction
along the Citi zens Right-of Way on the
southerly side of the railroad track. Access
to the proposed Municipal Golf Course is
necessary, and this proposal creates such
access. Freeways which may be constructed
in this locale will not give adequate access to
the Greenbelt since careful control is always
exerted as to local access to and from
freeways.
10. The Greenbelt circulation pattern and that
of the City in general would be considerably
enhanced by better access to South Boise.
The Boise City Comprehensive General Plan
proposes arterial streets extending to the
east from Broadway Avenue. This continues
to be highly desirable. Needed arterial streets
will function more suitably with the
Greenbelt and adjacent developing areas if
an additional bridge extending across the
Boise River is constructed at the easterly end
of the Greenbelt project. This bridge will
create South Boise access, permit better use
of the Greenbelt, create access to the Golf
Course on both sides of the river, and
generally improve the overall traffic pattern
for the community.
FEASIBILITY
It is believed that the discussion on feasibility wherein
recommendations are made to employ the services of a
Greenbelt Coordinator or Acquisition Specialist will
result in a program which can be adopted in its proper
phase with City budgeting and be carried to completion.
This recommendation is sympathetic to the possibility
of amendments and adjustments via a Capital Improve­ments
Program and Budget since continuing review of
original proposals must take place.
It is also recommended that since the design that land
acquisition must take place, the City undertake to spell
out a workable method to acquire land on the basis of
long term lease instead of fee acquisition. This will
require considerable contact with property owners. An
example of "short of fee acquisition" may be a use
agreement between the State of Idaho and Boise City on
part of the prison farm land proposed for a municipal
golf course or use of some of the Boise Water
Coporation land. It is believed that if given the
opportunity, many property owners will cooperate to
formulate a "Use" arrangement.
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Twenty-Seventh Street and Twenty-Third Street
will undoubtedly continue to function as major
arterial streets. Owing to this, River Street should be
emphasized easterly from the Main Street and
Fairview Avenue Couplet and should extend across
Capitol Boulevard curving to Myrtle Street in an
uninterrupted pattern. Since Thirtieth Street is
proposed to extend to Americana Boulevard and on
to the Post Office location, provisions should also be
made for the possible extension of this street adjacent
to the Greenbelt and on to River Street near Eleventh
Street. This continuance permits proper access to the
proposed Capitol Boulevard- Ninth Street Couplet.
This suggested street pattern is valid unless the River
Street area undergoes substantial revitalization
according to an overall plan.
A Capitol Boulevard and Ninth Street couplet is proposed closely related to recent studies
completed for the State Highway Department. Suggested alterations to these study proposals to
the north. No new bridge is proposed over the Boise River in the area of Eleventh Street due to the
functional pattern for traffic which would be developed by a new Ninth Street bridge and the
mentioned Couplet. Right turn movements for southbound traffic could be limited to the River
Street-Ninth Street connections, thus giving additional access for traffic to arrive at Boise State
College via College Boulevard.
River Street is proposed to extend to Myrtle Street east of Capitol Boulevard. Although there may
be some disruption of the land use patterns by this extension, the redesigned access to Julia Davis
Park necessitated by the Capitol Boulevard-Ninth Street Couplet, and the worth of a River Street
extension to Myrtle Street overrides problems of disruption which may be created. Careful design
treatment could enhance the entrance to Julia Davis Park. In addition, other core area
redevelopment proposals indicate a need to have improved access to Fifth Street extending north
to the Federal Building as well as south on Sixth Street from the same area. The proposals
mentioned accomplish this possibility including free flowing exit from Capitol Boulevard as
entrance to the core area is made from the south. This is highly desirable due to the restricted
areas on Capitol Boulevard being proposed in redevelopment plans.
Since River Street is proposed to connect to Myrtle
Street in the Capitol Boulevard area, it is also logical
that this extension continue easterly in a proper way.
The crossing of Broadway Avenue at the best possible
angle of intersection is recommended with the
extension continuing east adjacent to the Greenbelt.
The City is developing proposals in harmony with the
recently announced Morrison-Knudsen development
for proper alignment of streets as related to Myrtle
Street, Park Boulevard and Broadway Avenue.
As this extension continues east, an improved
alignment of the Boise River is proposed.
Stabilization of the river near Municipal Park is
desirable due to high water encroachment. By this
realignment, the street can continue in its easterly
direction along the Citizens Right-of-Way on the
southerly side of the railroad track. Access to the
proposed Municipal Golf Course is necessary, and this
proposal creates such access. Freeways which may be
constructed in this locale will not give adequate
~ess to the Greenbelt since careful control is always
exe?'\ed as to local access to and from freeways.
The Greenbelt circulation pattern and ~ha~the ----~
City in general would be considerably ~hanc by
better access to South Boise. The Boise ity
Comprehensive General Pian proposes arterial streets
extending to the east from Broadway Avenue. This
continues to be highly desirable. Needed arterial
streets will function more suitably with the Greenbelt
and adjacent developing areas if an additional bridge
extending across the Boise River is constructed at the
easterly end of the Greenbelt project. This bridge will
create South Boise access, permit better use of the
Greenbelt, create access to the Golf Course on both
sides of the river, and generally improve the overall
traffic pattern for the community.
CHAPTER Ill
FEASIBILITY
Programming, Costs and Financing
PROGRAMMING, COSTS AND FINANCING
development of the Greenbelt, and a coordinated effort
to direct these energies would create the greatest benefit
to the public. The Boise City Park Department will
assuredly feel the impact of additional responsibility
concerning development of the Greenbelt and as a result,
is entirely possible that a Greenbelt Program Coordina­tor
will need to be established as part of the Park
Director's Staff. It ·has already been established that
certain areas are more critical than others as related to
early acquisition. The Greenbelt design makes these
ari3as apparent" and· sUggestions on specific properties to
be acquired are avoided in this report since the
coordihatioh and acquisition program suggested should
establish the priorities as funding and development is
Acquisition of considerable property is required to
insure completion of the Greenbelt program. Due to
inflationary trends, especially when an ambitious effort
is begun, a well conceived program of acquisition is very
vitaL It has been noted that "use agreements" or "short
of fee acquisitions" are an important facet to be
explored. It is recommended that Boise City consider
employment of a technician to actively pursue use
agreements as well as acquisition. The taxpayer's interest
would be well served if a signific~nt program of.
acquisition, such as envisioned for the Greenbelt, is not'
sporadic in nature. Although this employee may not be
used full·time for the Greenbelt since other public
right-of-way purchases and agreements are always
necessary, he could keep the City's acquisition program
moving forward by taking advantage of every possibility
to carry out the plan in a coordinated manner.
. solidi,fied.
Development of the land which is part of the Greenbelt
will be expensive as will be a continuing maintenance
program. The turfed areas as well as those areas where
concentrated activity is expected will be the most
expensive to develop and maintain. It is highly desirable
to encourage citizen organizations to participate in the
Overall appraisal of land costs has not been accomplish­ed
by the City since appraisals will be confidential in
nature, and funding is a matter of continuing
consideration, this report will give only acreage estimates
of land ac.quisition requirements. The following statistics
will be of benefit in reaching conclusions concerning the
acquistion and development of the Greenbelt since
direct dollar amounts, when available, can be applied.
ESTIMATED PARKS AND GREENBELT AND AREAS
Acreage
(North Side)
East of Broadway Avenue
Boise City (parks) 36.0
Boise City (R.D.W.) 0.5
Private Ownership 47.5 111
Meander Areas 27.5
Other 53.0 121
Total 164.5
Between Broadway Avenue
& Capitol Boulevard
Boise City (Parks) 107.5
Boise City (R.O.W.) 0
Private Ownership 0
Meander Areas 0
Other 0
Total 107.5
Between Capitol Boulevard
& Americana Boulevard
Boise City (Parks) 0
Boise City (R.O.W.) 1.0
Private Ownership 8.0
Meander Area 3.5
Other 0
Total 12.5
( 1) Includes Boise Water Corporation Land.
(2) Includes State of Idaho Prison Farm Land.
Acreage
(South Side)
0
0.7
125.6
14.7
0
141.0
0
6 (3)
0
0
0
6
154.0
0
10.5
0
0
164.5
(3) Includes Right-of-Way for Campus Drive and Land Adjacent.
32
Acreage Acreage
Between Americana (North Side) (South Side)
Boulevard & Main Street
Boise City (Parks) 0 0
Boise City (R.D.W.) 2.5 0
Private Ownership 6.5 8.0
Meander Area 1.5 0
Other 0 0
Total 10.5 8.0
Between Main Street
to Waste Disposal Plant
Boise City (Parks) 0 0
Boise City (R.O.W.) 0 0
Private Ownership 129.5 141 0.5151
Meander Area 0 0
Other 1.5 0
Total 131.0 0.5
TOTAL BY Grand ·Acreage Acreage
CATEGORY Total (South Side) (North Side)
Boise City (Parks) 297.5 143.5 154.0
Boise City (R.O.W.) 10.7 4.0 6.7
Private Ownership 336.1 191.5 144.6
Meander Area 47.2 32.5 14.7
Other 54.5 54.5 0.0
GRAND TOTAL 746.0 426.0 320.0
(4) Includes Substantial Area for Marina Development
15) Does Not include Garden City frontage.